Maternal body mass index and risks of neonatal mortality and offspring overweight and obesity: Findings from 0.5 million samples in 61 low‐ and middle‐income countries

Summary Background Evidence on associations of maternal overweight and obesity with risks of offspring mortality and obesity is limited in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Objective We aimed to assess the associations of maternal overweight and obesity with neonatal mortality, and offspring overweight and obesity in LMICs. Methods Data were from the Demographic and Health Surveys in 61 LMICs. A total of 507 203 pairs of mother and offspring were included in the analysis for neonatal mortality, and 455 534 pairs in the analysis for overweight and obesity in offspring aged 3 to 59 months. Survey logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of maternal overweight and obesity with neonatal mortality, and offspring overweight and obesity in consideration of complex survey design with adjustment for potential covariates. Results Compared with mothers having normal weight, neonatal mortality risks were increased in mothers having overweight, modest obesity and severe obesity, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.32 (1.17‐1.49), 1.50 (1.27‐1.77) and 1.56 (1.22‐1.98), respectively. In addition, offspring with mothers having overweight, modest obesity and severe obesity were at increased risks of overweight (with ORs [95% CIs] of 1.32 [1.24‐1.40], 1.61 [1.48‐1.74] and 1.69 [1.52‐1.88], respectively) and obesity (with ORs [95% CIs] of 1.23 [1.13‐1.34], 1.22 [1.10‐1.35] and 1.42 [1.21‐1.66], respectively). Conclusions Our results suggest that maternal overweight and obesity increased the risks of neonatal mortality, and offspring overweight and obesity in LMICs. Maternal weight control should be considered as the highest priority goal for preventing offspring's adverse health outcomes in LMICs.